Lady Bulldog golfers likely to defend title

October 1, 2009

The Poland Seminary High School Lady Bulldog golfers have clinched the All American Conference season and AAC tournament titles as they end the season at 12-0 and look for a return trip to the state championship. The Lady Bulldogs are closing their season with a series of big wins as they enter the phase of tournament play that could take them back to Columbus to defend their 2008 title.

The Lady Bulldogs clinched their first AAC Tier championship by defeating both Canfield and Howland in dual match play to end their AAC record at 6-0. Poland has never defeated Canfield twice in a season before, making this a historical year in these players' careers.

At their home course at Mill Creek, the Bulldogs defeated the Cardinals in a typical match by the score of 172-179. The Bulldogs did an outstanding job as all of the players shot scores in the 40's. Senior Angela Molaskey and sophomore Maria Mancini were medalists at 40. Junior Allison Mitzel shot a 45, senior Mariah Groner a 47, senior Meredith McKay a 48, and sophomore Giana DiBenedetto a 49.

Traveling to Tamer-Win Golf Course to take on the Howland Tigers, the Bulldogs again shot a winning total of 150-193 to set a new school record for an opponent's course. Scoring for Poland were medalist Mitzel with a 35, Molaskey at 36, Mancini with a 38 and Groner at 41. This match win gave the Bulldogs a 6-0 Red Tier record for the title.

The team again visited Tamer-Win last week to play in the second AAC tournament championship where a tournament champion was crowned as well as All-League honors awarded. The Bulldogs won the tournament again this year with an 18-hole score for its four players at 335. Tournament medalist honors went to Molaskey with a 78. Mitzel shot a 90; Mancini, 80; and Groner, 87. Mancini, Molaskey and Groner where all named to the AAC All-Star Team.

The Bulldogs are now focusing their attention to tournament play they begin the process with their appearance at the sectional tournament tonight at Pine Lakes Gold Club in Hubbard.